Ashes 2017: Australia claim series victory over England despite pitch controversy

THERE is only one statistic that truly matters. Australia 3, England 0. Australia wins the Ashes after England fall 3-0 behind in Perth.

But behind the obvious scoreline, the Perth defeat has earned the tourists a host of unwanted and ugly records that read poorly for Trevor Bayliss, Joe Root and several other players.

Conversely, Australia has achieved a feat that predates Sir Donald Bradman’s Test career.

Apart from the delay caused by the covers malfunctioning, it was all very straightforward for Australia as they swept aside the England tail once again. They are good value for their 3-0 lead.

Credit needs to be given to Australia’s bowlers who have been fantastic from the beginning of this series until they wrapped up a victory with two matches to play. But England have been terrible with the bat this series. Only Dawid Malan’s reputation has been enhanced, every other player has either stood still or has gone backwards.